Slapton Ley is one of the few places in the United Kingdom where you
might see this grebe in the United Kingdom. Although rare in the United
Kingdom, Black Necked Grebes have a large range, occurring in every continent
except Australia and Antarctica. In the United Kingdom there are only
40 to 60 breeding pairs plus approximately 120 birds over wintering. These
photographs were taken on the lower Ley at Slapton on the 13th July 2008.
The bird is in his summer plumage with a black head, black neck, chestnut
flanks and a fan of golden cheek feathers behind the eyes. In winter the
bird is much duller; whitish with a poorly defined black cap and grey
back. The bright red eye is present in both its plumages. It is an excellent
diver feeding on small fish, crustacean as well as insects. It nests near
the water's edge and obviously therefore favours well vegetated areas
of freshwater to be able to conceal its nest. Usually two eggs are laid,
and the striped young are often carried on the adult's back to protect
them from predators such as Pike. Play
Video.